As human beings, we are drawn to want to create change. It is why we are drawn to our chosen careers, or why we volunteer, or why we are part of sporting or charity clubs. Change is what drives us. It may sometimes be uncomfortable, but it is through periods of change where we can grow emotionally and make a difference in our own lives. The changes we make in our own lives can have ripple effects – to our friends, neighbours and ultimately, our local community. And there is no better place to create change than in your own backyard. In a bit over a month, Tasmanians will have the chance to create change in their local communities, as the state goes to the polls in the local government elections. The council elections are not compulsory, and urban centres often have low participation rates of return votes. That has got to change. Local Government Association of Tasmania chief executive Katrena Stephenson says it succinctly – if you want to have a say about what your town or city looks like in the future, then make sure you vote. If you want to be an active participant in the future direction of your region, it is important you familiarise yourself with your voting options. Residents and business owners all have a responsibility to know where they can stake a claim – and that might be in different council areas. In the coming weeks our council hopefuls will make it clear what they stand for and where they stand on important issues. It will shape their campaigns and allow residents to be fully informed before they cast their vote. There will be many ways you can engage with your local candidates, and The Examiner will aim to bring you as many stories and avenues for that engagement as we can. Today, we announced a public forum, in conjunction with the Launceston Chamber of Commerce, which will feature the mayoral candidates of Launceston. But it’s important every region has an opportunity to get to know their candidates. Because you only have one vote – you may as well make it count.

Editorial: Time is now to make your vote count in local government elections

It is why we are drawn to our chosen careers, or why we volunteer, or why we are part of sporting or charity clubs.

Change is what drives us. It may sometimes be uncomfortable, but it is through periods of change where we can grow emotionally and make a difference in our own lives.

The changes we make in our own lives can have ripple effects – to our friends, neighbours and ultimately, our local community.

And there is no better place to create change than in your own backyard.

In a bit over a month, Tasmanians will have the chance to create change in their local communities, as the state goes to the polls in the local government elections.

The council elections are not compulsory, and urban centres often have low participation rates of return votes. That has got to change.

Local Government Association of Tasmania chief executive Katrena Stephenson says it succinctly – if you want to have a say about what your town or city looks like in the future, then make sure you vote.

If you want to be an active participant in the future direction of your region, it is important you familiarise yourself with your voting options.

Residents and business owners all have a responsibility to know where they can stake a claim – and that might be in different council areas.

In the coming weeks our council hopefuls will make it clear what they stand for and where they stand on important issues. It will shape their campaigns and allow residents to be fully informed before they cast their vote.

There will be many ways you can engage with your local candidates, and The Examiner will aim to bring you as many stories and avenues for that engagement as we can.

Today, we announced a public forum, in conjunction with the Launceston Chamber of Commerce, which will feature the mayoral candidates of Launceston.

But it’s important every region has an opportunity to get to know their candidates.